Civil rights are those rights guaranteed to you per the United States Constitution. Although these rights are inalienable, they are sometimes violated in certain instances by the New York Police Department or other police agencies. Most police officers are well-intentioned and doing their best to serve the community. It is vital, however, that a lawyer be asked to step in when police officers fail to fulfill their primary duty. Such violations can occur for any number of reasons and may include personal prejudice or a police officer overreacting to an emotionally charged situation. Whatever the circumstances, there is no excuse for your civil rights to be violated.
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Read More ResultsTypes of NYC Civil Rights Violations
- False Arrest – arresting an individual without a reasonable basis in fact to suspect a crime
- False Imprisonment – denying an individual of his freedom without a legal right to hold him
- Police Brutality – includes such things as excessive force and custodial negligence
- Malicious Prosecution – criminal prosecution without any legal basis or factual support
- Racial Profiling – targeting someone for suspicion of a crime based solely on their race, religion, ethnicity or national origin
There are also times that your civil rights may be violated once you are already in jail or prison. Prejudice guards or authorities may single you out for excessive punishment or ridicule because of your race, gender, or sexual orientation. This is expressly illegal, and those that engage in prejudice, racist, sexist, or biased activity should definitely be brought to the prosecution.
Individuals have the right to report any civil rights violations within juvenile halls, detention centers, health care facilities for persons with disabilities, and more.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the Civil Rights Division was formed in 1957 to make sure that all of the civil and constitutional rights of Americans are upheld. The division is dedicated to looking out for the most vulnerable members of society and prohibits any type of discrimination.
Types of Discrimination
Most people think of discrimination as racial. While discrimination against certain ethnic groups and cultures is certainly one aspect of the violation of civil rights, there are other ways that people can prove to be guilty of the crime of civil rights violation. According to The Department of Justice, it is a direct disobedience to the Constitution of the United States if a person discriminates against another based on any of these areas:
- Race – A division of humankind that has distinct physical characteristics which set that group apart from others.
- Color – The skin pigment of any human being that is typically tied to that person’s racial roots.
- Religion – The beliefs and practices of any people group or individual in society.
- Familial Status – The amount of children in a family, woman’s pregnancy, or another factor regarding family size and members.
- Sex – The gender of a person, whether male or female.
- Disability – Any physical or mental impairments that limit a person’s movements, senses, or activities.
- National Origin – The country associated with a person’s heritage or past residency.
Discriminating based on any of the above areas is considered illegal, whether in the workplace, housing market, or in law enforcement procedures. Whether you have been racially profiled, falsely imprisoned, discriminated against when purchasing a home, or terminated from work because of a pregnancy, these are all reasons that you should hire a lawyer to help you in your case.
If you believe that you have been denied your civil rights because of your gender, or were denied housing because of the amount of children you have, then this may be a reason to seek compensation. You should never allow a non-constitutional action to go unpunished.
The Justice Department encourages men and women to report any civil rights violations that they discover, so hire a New York City civil rights litigation attorney from Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., today to help you.
False Arrest, Police Brutality & Racial Profiling
If your civil rights have been violated, contact the lawyers at Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., right away. In cases involving civil rights violations, it is important to act quickly.
The legal system involves processes in which one step automatically follows another, so one postponed action can result in a failed case. At the firm, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and care about being of service to you in your time of need.
We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients and feel passionately about fighting for you and your family. Don’t hesitate to hire a lawyer at the firm today to discuss your options and see what possibilities there are for litigation regarding your case.
CLIENT REVIEWS
09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
Harendra Gautam, HKD CLIENT
08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
patricia Carnevale, HKD CLIENT
06/22/2021
I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.
5
Deniece Buffaloe, HKD CLIENT
04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
thabossladi87, HKD CLIENT
03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
5
Stephanie Campos, HKD CLIENT
02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
5
lisa kessler, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
5
Emily Weinstein, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
5
Jason Bauer, HKD CLIENT
01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
5
VIRGINIA BOOTHE GORDON, HKD CLIENT
01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
5
Richard Leff, HKD CLIENT
01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
5
Larry Schatz, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I have known Judd Kleeger for over a decade now. By far the smartest hardest working attorney I have ever dealt with. His advice has been spot on time and time again. Highly recommend him.
5
Michael nessim, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.
5
Lisa Dawn Angerame, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
5
Emily Halperin, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
5
Didi Hutt, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
5
Alan Levine, HKD CLIENT
01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
5
Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
Marisol Pitre, HKD CLIENT
12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
5
peggy lamarre, HKD CLIENT
12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
Kjanecaron, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
5
Martin Munitz, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
5
Dan Greenberg, HKD CLIENT
12/04/2020
Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.
5
Ben S, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
5
Linda Winikoff, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive
5
Peter Visconti, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
Robert Dallas, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
Jeffrey Jagid, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
5
Kelvin Morel, HKD CLIENT
01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
David Irwin, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT